What is the mechanical issue keeping Tillikum out of service? A capacitor.
Saturday, December 14, 2024
by Jeff Noedel
One of our 70 subscribers asked SanJuans.Today to find out exactly what is the “mechanical issue” with the M/V Tillikum. So we did.
An hour ago, a spokesperson for Washington State Ferries was happy to shed light on the exact problem. It’s an electrical capacitor.
Then we reached out to a marine engineering friend who knows the WSF vessels well, and got this explanation of a capacitor: “Capacitors are used in electrical and electronic systems throughout the vessel. Some are off-the-shelf items, and others can be specialized parts. If it is specialized part, it could take a few days to source and have it delivered.”
The WSF spokesperson was optimistic that the Tillikum may return to service tomorrow (Sunday, December 15).
